Lilies are perennials that bloom in the same place for years; however, the beds of these flowers can grow and overcrowd due to their natural reproduction. When the plants are too crowded they weaken, so it is important to learn how to divide and transplant them. You have to remove them from the ground and separate them when they start to grow too close to each other, then transplant some bulbs to another place.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Divide the Bulbs
Step 1. Observe the lilies every year to know if they need to be separated
You must proceed with this treatment when you notice a large amount of short, threadlike stems.
Step 2. Work in the fall, 3-4 weeks after flowering has finished
You could damage the bulbs and roots if you separate them before this stage.
Step 3. Use a shovel and dig a hole under and around the clods of the lilies
Work very carefully so as not to risk cutting the bulbs.
- Dig several inches from the base of the plants and make several holes all around the flower clods.
- Dig deeper than they were originally planted at.
- Remove the sod by lifting them off the ground.
Step 4. Eliminate the excessive amount of earth attached to the root system
You need to be able to see the bulb clearly to be able to divide the lilies.
- Once they are out of the ground, shake them very gently to get rid of the excess soil.
- Wash away any soil that sticks to the sod using a garden hose.
Step 5. Divide the bulbs
When they grow, the lilies form clusters of bulbs attached to each other; experienced gardeners recommend pulling or twisting them gently to separate them.
- Break the clods, making sure that the roots untangle themselves, avoiding tearing them.
- Tug at the small, immature bulbs by grabbing the lily by the stem.
- If you can't get them apart any other way, use a knife.
Method 2 of 2: Transplant the Lilies
Step 1. Remove the current stem
This is attached to the top end of the bulb.
Step 2. Choose a new spot in the garden to transplant the bulbs to
Usually, they thrive best if you offer them a new home.
- Choose a corner of the garden that offers good water drainage and adequate air circulation; both of these factors are necessary for the health of lilies.
- Make sure the plants get sun and shade. Lilies need direct sunlight, while bulbs need to stay in the shade thanks to mulch and other slow growing plants.
- If you need to transplant them into the same bed, add new potting soil or enrich the existing one with fertilizer or compost.
Step 3. Dig holes large enough for the bulbs
Give each one a space of at least 6 inches.
Step 4. Drill the appropriate holes according to the size of the bulbs
- Bury bulky ones to a depth of 10cm (but no more than 15cm).
- Transplant small ones 3 to 5cm deep.
